Brand New Guest to Airbnb and they want an extended stay

[Leigh625]

A guest just requested an annual stay and has never booked on Airbnb before. 

We are very excited about this, but a bit nervous because it's a brand new profile (I'm super cautious about scams and such).

How should proceed?

Help!

Please and thank you!

—Leigh

[Kitty-and-Creek0 · Accepted solution]

Good question @Leigh625 !

Definitely ask them to complete their profile, if they haven't. Find out why they are coming to you, and what are their goals for the stay. Be sure to make a list and ask all the questions you have.

This is a business, and a business decision. If you decide to accept the reservation, make sure they understand and agree to your house rules. A year is a long time for any guest to stay with a host, and with no track record to make the host comfortable. Would you have periodic inspections? How about visitors?

Also, does that length of time constitute tenancy per your laws?

I have some year-long leases.  They are not on any short term rental or vacation rental platform. They come with detailed application, credit check, background check, proof of employment and income verification. The lease agreement is appropriately drawn up, and customized for the particular tenant. All that makes me feel much more secure in my legal protection and knowledge of who is entrusted with my property.

Best of luck, let us know!

[Leigh625]

Thank you for this helpful advice @Kitty-and-Creek0 . I'm so glad to have this chat board available!

We most likely will turn this guest down at this time.

Thanks again,

—Leigh

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Leigh625 

Best wishes to you! I too love this community!

[Guy991]

I wouldn't recommend accepting an annual stay right away. It's important to check the legal requirements in your country for someone to be considered a tenant. In Portugal, for example, it takes 28 days. I suggest proposing a shorter stay, such as 25 days initially. If you and your guest want to extend their stay beyond that, you can discuss it further.

[Leigh625]

@Guy991 Thank you very much for your advice. As much as we were thinking it would be a solution for keeping the place occupied during the winter months, we're going to decline this guest.

Thanks again,

—Leigh

[Helen3]

Personally I'd never accept such a long stay through Airbnb as in many countries it gives guests tenancy rights . Personally I wouldn't be excited I would be concerned .

I'd only take such a booking as a long term rental having done credit and employment checks, previous landlord references etc @Leigh625 

[Leigh625]

@Helen3, thank you for your response. Everyone is so helpful here! And, yes, this is good advice.

Thanks again!

—Leigh

[Ann72]

@Leigh625  A guest with no history or profile who wants to book a long-term stay on a short-term rental platform probably won't pass credit and background checks required by rental companies.  So I would not be excited if I were you!  Hope this turns out for the best for you.

[Leigh625]

@Ann72 , This is extremely helpful! Thanks so much!